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For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.

About the Foundation

Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

Excellence in Journalism 2015Sept 18-20, 2015 – Orlando

Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Orlando for training, networking, workshops and more!

SPJ News

SPJ Blogs: Newest Posts

Quill Headlines

Journalist's Toolbox

@SPJ_Tweets

Connect with SPJ

SPJ on Facebook

Upcoming Eventsand Deadlines

Become an SPJ Member

For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.

About the Foundation

Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

Excellence in Journalism 2015Sept 18-20, 2015 – Orlando

Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Orlando for training, networking, workshops and more!

INDIANAPOLIS -- Over the years CBS News has earned an enviable reputation as one of the leading news organizations in the country. However its credibility is now very much at stake.

It first broadcast and then categorically defended what we now know are suspect documents involving President Bush’s military service. We also know CBS’s source lied about the origins of the document. CBS News’ apology and admission that it could not vouch for the authenticity of the documents are welcome steps as is its announcement of an independent investigation into the whole sorry affair. There are many questions to be answered.

Working with anonymous sources is one of the most ethically challenging aspects of journalism. As a result, the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics has much to say on the topic:

Seek Truth and Report It. Journalists should:* Test the accuracy of information from all sources and exercise care to avoid inadvertent error.* Identify sources whenever feasible. The public is entitled to as much information as possible on sources’ reliability. * Always question sources’ motives before promising anonymity. Clarify conditions attached to any promise made in exchange for information. Keep promises.

Be Accountable. Journalists should:* Admit mistakes and correct them promptly.* Expose unethical practices of journalists and the news media.

These ethical guidelines can help shape the questions the investigation should answer. The source was a long time critic of the president. What did CBS News know about the motives of the source? How much information did it share with its viewers about the source’s reliability?

Reports now indicate a CBS producer may have promised access to campaign officials in exchange for the documents. How big an issue is this promise of a favor? How much did CBS News do to test the accuracy of the information? ABC News reported that at least two experts told CBS News prior to the broadcast that at least one of the documents could not be authenticated. Why was this information apparently not used or shared with the public?

If CBS News is to restore its credibility the investigation must be thorough and transparent. The findings should lead to consequences and reform. The process, while painful, is essential to the long term health of the news organization.

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.